Make a Tiled Garden Container Planter for Frugal Upscale Decor

This simple wooden container was transformed into upscale garden and porch decor with $20 worth of tiles. Stunning transformation. It's planted with a Japanese barberry and bright orange violas for a fiery fall color scheme.

We started with a cheap, wooden planter from the clearance section. Choose something with smooth sides. It took two square feet of tiles to cover this planter.

We used liquid nail adhesive that we had on hand to stick the tiles down. I cut them with about a 1/4 tile overlapping the edge. Thankfully the gaps between the tiles allowed enough wiggle room to work them in without problem.

What really added a lot to this project, in my opinion, is that we used a colored grout for in between the tiles. The creamy tan blended with the tiles and the wood of the container much better than a bright white would have.

These bright orange violas will tolerate the cool weather of fall and contrast beautifully with the dark wood of the container. They also contrast nicely with the upright growth and burgundy foliage of the Japanese barberry.